One last look at his little family, and then, as the word was given, David Armstrong dug his heels into the sides of his horse, to follow after his comrades of the trail.
A cheer burst forth from the assembled settlers. Then some one started a hymn, one of those old-time tunes which had ever been a source of comfort to the pioneer families when peril threatened. Every person, old and young, chimed in; and, high above all the rest, the sweet voice of Mary Armstrong was carried to the ears of the departing adventurers.
Once Mr. Armstrong turned in the saddle. This was just before a twist in the trail would hide him from the view of those whom he had left behind. Raising his hat he waved it in the air once, twice, thrice. Then the trees swallowed the figures of horse and rider from view. He was gone!
Bob heaved a long sigh, but valiantly repressed the tears that tried to dim his sight. He felt that he must more than ever show himself a man, now that his father depended so on him to look after his little flock during his absence; and it was surely not manly to cry.
Sandy had no such compunctions, however, though he managed to hide his own emotion in trying to comfort poor little Kate.
The bitterness would soon wear away with these younger members of the family, for they had the abounding spirits of youth and good health to carry them through; but many times would that good wife sit by herself, engaged in her duties, and tears dim her eyes as her thoughts went out to the absent husband and father.
Well did she know the nature of the deadly perils that beset that path back to the fertile fields of Virginia; how wild beasts lurked in thicket and forest, ready to spring upon unsuspecting travellers; and still more savage Indians laid ambuscades and traps, in which to catch their hated paleface foes.
In a day or two things had settled down again at the Armstrong cabin. Bob and Sandy took up their duties manfully. The mother might well feel proud of having two such boys upon whom to lean in her necessity. They were determined to keep the family larder plentifully supplied with fresh meat; and at the same time increase the store of pelts that sooner or later would prove so fine a harvest, when they could get them to a market.